We don’t find the opportunity to review as many SATA 2 SSDs these days which is why this particular report is a bit unique.

We are reviewing the Silicon Power Velox V20 60GB SATA2 SSD and this solid state drive contains Hynix NAND flash memory, a brand that we have yet to see in other SSDs reviewed. The Silicon Power Website is also an interesting read as their web designer has created a ‘Review Site‘ atmosphere laying out the characteristics and test results of the Velox V20.

INTRODUCTION

The Silicon Power Velox V20 SATA 2 SSD is available in capacities of 40, 60, 120 and 240GB, respectively, and this SSD has a limited warranty of three years. Its specifications list high sequential disk performance at the standard 285MB/s read and 275MB/s write and each package has a 2.5″ to 3.5″ desktop adapter bracket included.

SSD COMPOSITION

Our interest in this SSD is the fact that it houses Hynix NAND flash memory which is a departure from every other SSD we have tested. On the printed circuit board (PCB), we find the tried and true SandForce SF-1200 controller, along with 16 pieces of Hynix 32nm 4GB NAND flash memory (H27UBG8T2ATR).

A bit of addition shows the total RAW capacity to be 64GB, however, SandForce firmware and over provisioning needs require one full module, leaving the end user with the advertised 60GB capacity. Formatting reduces it further yet to a total user available capacity of 56GB.

Crystal Disk Info provides some excellent information about the SSD itself to include its health, operating temperature, product information, power on information as well as the characteristics of the SSD.

A quick glance at Crystal Disk Info shows us that the drive is in excellent health, has been in use less than one hour and TRIM is fully functioning.

The version of the Silicon Power Velox V20 60GB reviewed here looks very different then the versions being sold currently. Is this an older version? I have also located versions with a different marking that includes a serial number. That version uses a Micron memory device. Any ideas what gives here?